At Ridge Hill School, every activity is thoughtfully designed to support our pupils’ emotional wellbeing, communication development, and learning in a calm, sensory-friendly environment.
We follow the Sanctuary model and a Total Communication approach, meaning all activities are structured, predictable, and tailored to each child’s individual needs. Whether in the classroom, outdoors, or on a visit, our focus is always on building confidence, fostering positive relationships, and helping every child feel safe and successful.
Structured sessions that follow each child’s personalised timetable. These include quiet start activities, morning meetings, focused learning time, and small-group work using the SCERTS framework. Activities are visual, multi-sensory, and highly supported to promote engagement and reduce anxiety.
Dedicated time and spaces for sensory regulation, calming strategies, and positive handling (when needed). Our neuro-accessible environment and trained staff ensure children can self-regulate and return to learning feeling ready and settled.
Play-based activities that develop turn-taking, sharing, and social interaction in a supported way. We use Total Communication tools (symbols, signs, objects of reference, and speech) to help every child express themselves and build friendships.
Regular outdoor sessions and learning experiences outside the classroom. These help develop gross motor skills, body awareness, and a love of the outdoors in a safe, structured way. Dark-coloured outdoor shoes are part of our uniform to make these activities easy and comfortable.
Art, music, messy play, and imaginative activities that encourage self-expression and emotional development while respecting sensory preferences.
Carefully planned trips and visits that extend learning beyond the school gates. All visits are risk-assessed with a strong focus on safeguarding and individual pupil needs.
At Ridge Hill School, we believe every child’s potential is limitless — even when the world sometimes feels too big, too loud, or too overwhelming.
We are a specialised Sanctuary for Key Stage 1 pupils with Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD). Here, we don’t just manage challenges — we create the calm, structured, and deeply supportive environment where your child’s dreams can grow, flourish, and become reality.
